STAMFORD, Conn. (June 5, 2012) –The recipients of the 5th annual UPS/Keep America Beautiful Community Improvement Grant Program are being provided with more support than ever for recycling, beautification, community greening, litter prevention and waste reduction initiatives across the country. This year’s grant awards exceeded $150,000 for 66 projects.

The 2012 UPS/Keep America Beautiful Community Improvement Grant program provided: $10,000 grants to five recipients; $5,000 grants to 10 recipients; and $1,000 grants to 51 recipients. The program’s intent is to link KAB affiliate organizations with local UPS employee teams who will – in addition to the grant funding – provide essential volunteer support to the local efforts.

“Keep America Beautiful is privileged to have developed such a strong partnership with The UPS Foundation, because its values are in such close alignment with our own,” said Matthew M. McKenna, president and CEO, Keep America Beautiful. “Our affiliates are truly grateful to the many UPS volunteers who are engaging in our local, grassroots initiatives.”

“The UPS Foundation is pleased to support Keep America Beautiful because of the broad array of programs and projects that UPS employees can engage in to improve their local communities,” said Eduardo Martinez, president of The UPS Foundation. “Past success with this grant program led to an even greater commitment to more KAB affiliates throughout the country. We’re eager to see the results that our grassroots partners can achieve with our ongoing commitment.”

Keep Georgia Beautifulwill award mini-grants to select KAB affiliates in Georgia as part of its Edible NeighborWoods Program, which plants local community orchards. The Georgia Urban Forest Counciland the Georgia Forestry Commissionwill partner in this program. The 20-30 trees planted in each community will help improve air quality, prevent storm-water runoff, nourish wildlife and provide a source of local, sustainable community produce.

For more information about the programs supported through the $5,000 grants, go to www.kab.org/UPS.